Former 90210 star Shannen Doherty has shared touching snaps of her shaving her head as she battles cancer.

The US actress, who shot to fame in the 1990s teen drama, revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in August last year.

And she bravely decided to share pictures of her cutting off her locks as she prepared for her next round of treatment.

Before doing it, the 45-year-old, who also starred as Prue in Charmed, told her 322,000 Instagram followers: "Cupcake pan, chocolates and a razor...Stay tuned #cancersucks #thankgodforfriends".

She looked tearful as she was comforted by friends, including model Anne Kortright-Shilstat, who was the one who shaved her head.

Afterwards, Kortright-Shilstart posted a snap of the pair on Instagram with the caption: "I couldn't be prouder of you today.

"Your strength and courage is so inspiring and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

"Thank you for blindly trusting me today to help you with such a big step. I will forever be there for you no matter what."

Doherty said earlier this year she did not know what type of surgery she would get and would let her doctors make the final decision.

She also spoke about her desire to have children with husband Kurt Iswarienko, who she married in 2011.

The medication she is currently on prevents her from getting pregnant so she has hinted the couple may adopt in the future.

Iswarienko said in an interview his wife's illness had brought them closer together. "It's one of those times you get to test your mettle as a married couple."